Hydrating lip balm composition

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a composition comprising a first low-melt wax, a second low-melt wax, a high-melt wax, one or more oil phases, and optionally a flavoring agent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/349,302, filed Jun. 13, 2016, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND

Although lip balms are commercially available to soothe chapped lips,some of these compositions have a base which includes a combination of awax and a mineral oil, or a combination of a wax and a petroleum jelly.The mineral oil or the petroleum jelly allows the lip balm to betransferred or applied to the lips, while the wax holds the compositionon the lips, sealing the surface and allowing for the skin to build upits natural moisture level by minimizing moisture loss on the surface.However the correct ratios for the wax and petroleum jelly, or wax andmineral oil, are difficult or nearly impossible to obtain. The resultingproduct is either too stiff (due to the wax) or too greasy (due to thepetroleum jelly or the mineral oil). Thus, there is a need for animproved lip balm composition.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising: a firstlow-melt wax; a second low-melt wax; a high-melt wax; one or more oilphases; and optionally a flavoring agent.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of sooth ofmoisturizing, soothing, or healing of external tissues comprisingapplying an effective amount of the composition to the tissue.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of moisturizingor alleviating dry, chapped, or irritated lips comprising applying aneffective amount of the composition to the lips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a composition comprising low-melt waxes.Suitably, the composition may be used to alleviate dry, chapped, orirritated skin. More suitably, the composition may be a lip balm. Thecomposition of traditional lip balms deposit a waxy or greasy residue onthe skin to prevent moisture release. By using low-melt waxes, thepresent invention is able to provide non-waxy and non-greasy protectionto external tissues, while delivering significant emolliency andimproved moisture to remediate dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Thecomposition uses body temperature to change the phase of the productupon application to facilitate spreading and absorption. Theformulations comprise very unique sensory properties while deliveringacceptable stability during transit, in storage, and during use.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in variousways.

1. Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art. In case of conflict, the present document, includingdefinitions, will control. Suitable methods and materials are describedbelow, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in practice or testing of the presentinvention. All publications, patent applications, patents and otherreferences mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein areillustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,”“contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to beopen-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not precludethe possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplatesother embodiments “comprising,” “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of,” the embodiments or elements presented herein, whetherexplicitly set forth or not.

The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive ofthe stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (forexample, it includes at least the degree of error associated with themeasurement of the particular quantity). The modifier “about” shouldalso be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolutevalues of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” mayrefer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about10%” may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” may mean from0.9-1.1. Other meanings of “about” may be apparent from the context,such as rounding off, so, for example “about 1” may also mean from 0.5to 1.4.

For the recitation of numeric ranges herein, each intervening numberthere between with the same degree of precision is explicitlycontemplated. For example, for the range of 6-9, the numbers 7 and 8 arecontemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for the range 6.0-7.0, thenumber 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 areexplicitly contemplated.

The term “low-melt,” as used herein, refers to a composition with amelting temperature between about 20° C. to about 50° C. The term“high-melt,” as used herein, refers to a composition with a meltingtemperature greater than about 50° C.

As used herein, “butter” (also “botanical butter”) is a triglyceridecomprising saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. A butter may befurther defined as a fat and/or oil extract of a plant fruit and/or seedcharacterized by having emollient properties and a low melting point(“low-melt”) near human body temperature. Butter has the meaning asdefined and is distinguished from a conventional high-melt wax and/or anon-jojoba ester. A butter includes both pure extracts from a plantfruit or seed and/or extract from a plant fruit or seed combined withadditional lipid material to achieve the melting point characteristicand/or lubricity. Suitably, the lipid material is derived from abotanical source.

2. Composition

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a firstlow-melt wax, a second low-melt wax, a high-melt wax, an oil phase, andoptionally a flavor. Suitably, the first low-melt wax may be present inan amount of about 15.0% to about 45.0% by weight, and the secondlow-melt wax may be present in an amount of about 15.0% to about 45.0%by weight. More suitably, the first low-melt wax may be present in anamount of about 28.0% to about 38.0% by weight, and the second low-meltwax may be present in an amount of about 25.0% to about 35.0% by weight.In embodiments, the first low-melt wax may comprise Cupuaçu butter, andthe second low-melt wax may comprise Murumuru butter.

In embodiments, the first and/or second low-melt wax may be refined,and/or contain tocopherol and peptides. Suitably, the total mixedconcentration of the first low-melt wax and the second low-melt wax maybe present in an amount of about 30% to about 80% by weight. In a moresuitable embodiment, the total mixed concentration of the first low-meltwax and/or the second low-melt wax may be present in an amount of about40% to about 65% by weight. Suitably, the melting temperature of thefirst low-melt wax may be between about 25° C. and about 37° C., and/orthe melting temperature of the second low-melt wax may be between about25° C. and about 37° C.

Any suitable high-melt wax can be used in the inventive composition,many of which are known in the art and commercially available, such as,but not limited to, paraffin wax, beeswax, candellia wax, carnauba wax,and jojoba wax. In a suitable embodiment, the high-melt wax is beeswax.Suitably, the high-melt wax is present in an amount of about 18.6% toabout 27.0%. The high-melt wax may be derived from any suitable source,such as but not limited to, a plant source or a synthetic source. In asuitable embodiment, the high-melt wax is beeswax. A suitable high-meltwax may have a melting temperature greater than 37° C. More suitably,the high-melt wax may have a melting temperature greater than 50° C.Other waxes may also be present in the composition.

In embodiments, the composition further comprises one or more oils.Exemplary oils suitable for use in the composition include, but are notlimited to, sunflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, vegetable oil, cornoil, canola oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, babassu oil,avocado oil, apricot oil, meadowfoam seed oil, macadamia seed oil, oatkernel oil, palm seed oil, safflower oil, sandalwood oil, sesame oil,sunflower oil, almond oil, wheat germ oil, cranberry seed oil, daikonseed oil, and combinations thereof. See International Patent ApplicationEP2088995 A1. In embodiments, the composition may comprise more than oneoil. In a suitable embodiment, the oil(s) may be present in an amount ofabout 1.0% to about 8.0% by weight of the composition. In a suitableembodiment, the oil may comprise sunflower oil. More preferably, thesunflower oil may be present in an amount of about 5.0% by weight. Inanother suitable embodiment, the oil may comprise cranberry seed oil anddaikon seed oil. More suitably, the cranberry seed oil may be present inan amount of about 1.0%, and the daikon seed oil may be present in anamount of about 6.7%.

Suitably, the ratio of the first low-melt wax to the second low-melt waxis about 1:1 in the composition. More suitably, the ratio of the Cupuaçubutter to the Murumuru butter is about 1:1 in the composition. Inembodiments, the ratio of the combined first and second low-melt waxesto the high-melt wax is about 1:1 to about 2:1. More suitably, the ratioof the Cupuaçu butter and the Murumuru butter to the high-melt wax isabout 1:1 to about 2:1. In embodiments, the ratio of the combined firstand second low-melt waxes to the oil phase is about 2.5:1 to about 11:1.More suitably, the ratio of the combined Cupuaçu butter and Murumurubutter to the oil phase is about 2.5:1 to about 11:1.

In embodiments, the composition of this invention may optionally includea flavoring agent to provide a sweet and pleasant taste, such as asugar, which is of particular benefit if the composition is to be usedorally. Fragrances and aromas that enhance different senses may also beadded to the compositions of this invention. The desired fragrance maybe obtained by including an essential oil, such as but not limited to,lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus. Colorants may beadded to obtain a desirable colorimetric appearance. The colorant may beof an amount, particle size, and/or presented in a matrix that maypermit transfer of colorant that imparts a color to an external tissueduring application. The colorant may be a natural colorant such as forexample, plant extracts, natural minerals, or carmine, or an artificialcolorant.

The composition may optionally comprise one or more suitable additives,such as, but not limited to, a medicament (such as, for example, asunscreen, an anti-oxidant, salicylic acid, and derivatives of salicylicacid), a soothing agent (such as, but not limited to, menthol, camphor,and eucalyptus), or a cosmetic. Other suitable additives include aloevera gel, ascorbyl palmitate, and tocopherol.

In embodiments, the composition of the present invention is a solid atroom temperature and melts when contacted with an external tissue atbody temperature. The composition of the present invention may beformulated as a lip balm, lip butter, or a skin moisturizer (such as,but not limited to, a facial moisturizer or a body moisturizer).

In embodiments, the composition of the present invention may be marketedin any suitable container, such as for example, a tube or a smallwide-mouth jar.

The invention further provides a method of soothing, moisturizing, orhealing of external tissues comprising applying an effective amount ofthe composition described herein to the tissue. In embodiments, thetissue may be lip tissue. The present invention further provides amethod of moisturizing or alleviating dry, chapped, or irritated lipscomprising applying an effective amount of the composition describedherein to the lips.

In embodiments, the invention exhibits improved stability compared totraditional lip balms, which can become extremely soft and melt in hotenvironments, such as in a car, a bag, or a pocket. Improved stabilitymay be measured by, for example, needle penetration. Suitably, a lowerneedle penetration result indicates a more rigid composition. Moresuitably, the composition retains its form, shape, and/or structureunder normal consumer-use conditions or in high temperatures, withoutmelting, breaking, or falling out of the applicator. Even more suitably,upon the addition of energy to the composition, such as but not limitedto, pressure and/or sheering, the composition may be transferred to thelip in a soft and soothing manner without depositing a heavy, waxy,residue, to provide long lasting moisture, relief, and a healthyappearance.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate embodiments of the composition of thepresent invention.

Example 1

A composition was prepared with the constituents specified in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Formulation A Ingredient Weight % of composition Cupuaçu butter30% Murmuru butter 28% Beeswax 27% Sunflower oil 5.0%  Flavor 6.0% 

Example 2

A composition was prepared with the constituents specified in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Formulation B Ingredient Weight % of composition Cupuaçu butter 16% Murmuru butter 3.5% Beeswax 18.6%  Cranberry seed oil 1.0% Diakonseed oil 6.7% Flavor 6.0%

Example 3

A composition is prepared with the constituents specified in Table 3:

TABLE 3 Formulation C Ingredient Weight % of composition Cupuaçu butter20% Murmuru butter  5% Beeswax 15% Cranberry seed oil  1% Diakon seedoil 19% Flavor  6%

Example 4

A composition is prepared with the constituents specified in Table 4:

TABLE 4 Formulation D Ingredient Weight % of Composition Cupuaçu butter25%  Murmuru butter 10%  Beeswax 10%  Castor seed oil 2% Carnuba Wax 5%Ascorbyl Palmitate 1% Tocopherol 1%

Example 5

A composition is prepared with the constituents specified in Table 5:

TABLE 5 Formulation E Ingredient Weight % of Composition Cupuaçu butter32%  Murmuru butter 16%  Castor seed oil 5% Rhus Vernicflua 1% Peel CeraRhus Succedanea 1% Fruit Cera Ascorbyl Palmitate 1% Tocopherol 1%

Example 6

A composition is prepared with the constituents listed in Tables 1-5,wherein the composition exhibits improved stability compared totraditional lip balms, which can become extremely soft and melt in hotenvironments, such as in a car, a purse, or a pocket.

The composition, suitably when prepared in a stick formulation, showsgreater stick stability with improved needle penetration values. Theseimproved results indicate that the composition is more rigid, or hard,and is able to maintain form, shape, and/or structure, even inenvironments with elevated temperatures. The improved stick formulationcan still be applied easily and smoothly to the surface of the lips orskin.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lip and skin tissue balm compositioncomprising: (a) a first low-melt wax; (b) a second low-melt wax that isdifferent from the first low-melt was of (a); (c) a high-melt wax; (d)one or more oil phases; and (e) optionally a flavoring agent; whereinthe high melt wax has a melting temperature of greater than about 50° C.and is present in an amount of about 18.6% to about 27.0% by weight,wherein the ratio of the first and second low-melt waxes to thehigh-melt wax is about 1:1 to about 2:1, and wherein the composition isa solid until the composition is contacted with a tissue and energy isapplied to transform the contacted composition into a melt form.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the first low-melt wax comprises Cupuaçu(Theobroma grandiforum) butter.
 3. The composition of claim 2, whereinthe Cupuaçu butter is present in an amount of about 15% to about 45% byweight.
 4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the Cupuaçu butter ispresent in an amount of about 28% to about 38% by weight.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the second low-melt wax comprisesMurumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) butter.
 6. The composition of claim 5,wherein the Murumuru butter is present in an amount of about 15% toabout 45% by weight.
 7. The composition of claim 5, wherein the Murumurubutter is present in an amount of about 25% to about 35% by weight. 8.The composition of claim 1, wherein the high-melt wax comprises beeswax.9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the high-melt wax comprisescarnauba wax.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or moreoil phases is present in an amount from about 1.0% to about 7.7% byweight.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the one or more oilphases comprises sunflower oil.
 12. The composition of claim 11, whereinthe sunflower oil is present in an amount of about 5.0% by weight. 13.The composition of claim 10, wherein the one or more oil phasescomprises cranberry seed oil.
 14. The composition of claim 10, whereinthe one or more oil phases comprises daikon seed oil.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 10, wherein the one or more oil phases comprisesolive oil.
 16. The composition of claim 10, wherein the one or more oilphases comprises cranberry seed oil and daikon seed oil.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 16, wherein the cranberry seed oil is present in anamount of about 1.0% by weight and the daikon seed oil is present in anamount of about 6.7% by weight.
 18. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe flavor is present in an amount of about 6%.
 19. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the combined total weight of the first low-melt wax andthe second low-melt wax is present in an amount from about 30% to about80% by weight.
 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein the combinedtotal weight of the first low-melt wax and the second low-melt wax ispresent in an amount from about 50% to about 70% by weight.
 21. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the first low-melt wax tothe second low-melt wax is about 1:1.
 22. The composition of claim 1,wherein the ratio of the first and second low-melt waxes to the one ormore oil phases is about 2.5:1 to about 11:1.
 23. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the melting temperature is between about 25° C. andabout 37° C.
 24. The composition of claim 1, wherein the energy ispressure or shearing.